PLAYERS will not boycott the Dally M Awards night on Wednesday, as had been threatened amid a pay deal impasse with the NRL, the Rugby League Players Association announced on Saturday.

AN RLPA statement said that it was in the best interests of its members and the game to support the night. It also said that “an outstanding deal” with the NRL was close and could be announced in coming weeks, with negotiations to resume next week.

The decision to attend the Dally Ms averts a potential embarrassment for the NRL, which had stated its intention to hold the presentation regardless. The players will now be in attendance at the Star Casino gala, at which Storm captain Cameron Smith (the 2006 Dally M Medallist) will be hot favourite to again win the NRL’s highest individual honour.

RLPA chief executive Ian Prendergast also said that there was no chance of players taking industrial action during the post-season Rugby League World Cup.

Live stream the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week FOXTEL NOW trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW!

Cameron Smith.Source:Getty Images

“The Dally Ms celebrate the achievements of players across the competition and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to celebrate the season,” he said in the statement.

“The commitment from the NRL to finalising the CBA over the past few weeks means that players are comfortable in supporting the event.

“Just last week the RLPA hosted its own awards, The Players’ Champion, with ARLC commissioners and executives from the NRL supporting the night in what was a great sign that we can move forward and work in partnership.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover break down the Des Hasler sacking and what it means for the Bulldogs. Plus what went wrong for the four finals losers.